UDAIPUR - Venice of the East

UDAIPUR
The "City of Lakes" is perhaps one of the most romantic and beautiful cities of India and it stands out with an enchanting image of white marble palaces, blue lakes, temples surrounded by hills and mountains. The marvellous architecture of its palaces is spell bounding.

Founded in 1599 by Maharaja Udai Singh, the house of Mewar is surrounded by the Aravali mountain ranges. Situated on the edge of three lakes, its narrow streets lined with shops and craftsmen's ateliers encourage hours of window-shopping for tourists.

Area :	37 sq. km.
Altitude :	577 metres
Climate :	Summer 38.3°C (MAX) - 28.8°C (MIN)	Winter 28.3°C (MAX) - 11.6°C (MIN)
Rainfall :	61 centimeters
Best Season :	September - April
Clothing :	Summer - Light tropical	Winter - Light Woollen
Language :	Mewari, Hindi, English

AGRA	630 km	JODHPUR	275 km
AHMEDABAD	262 km	JAIPUR	406 km
AJMER	264 km	MOUNT ABU	187 km
CHITTAURGARH	112 km	RANAKPUR	90 km

Lake Pichola, Derives its name from Pichali village, is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. There are two island palaces, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. The first, summer residence of the princes of Mewar, has been converted into a hotel. Jag Mandir is built of red sandstone with a marble dome.

City Palace, The largest palace complex of Rajathan,304 metres in height and 244 metres in length was started by Udai Singh and subsequently built upon by later rulers. The main part of the palace is now preserved as the City Palace Museum with a large and varied collection of artefacts.

Shilpgram, On the outskirts of Udaipur, Shilpgram is a crafts and performing arts centre and houses craftsmen from different states who display their crafts and products for visitors' benefit. It serves as an excellent venue for tourists looking for memento.

Jagdish Temple, Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I.

Saheliyon Ki Bari, (Farden of the maids of Honour) This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.

Pratap Memorial, The monument is a homage to Rana Pratap and his faithful steed. There is also a Japanese Rock Garden in the vicinity.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, A museum of folk art. Puppeteers regularly put up shows here.

Fatehsagar, A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park - lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Nathdwara, Built in the early 18th century, Nathdwara, 48 km from Udaipur, has a simple shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is the most celebrated of the Vaishnava shrines of Shrinathji or Lord Krishna. Thousands of pilgrims come to the temple daily. Cloth paintings, known as pichwais, of Nathdwara are famous and it is possible to see artists working painstakingly on these intricate pieces of art.

Deogarh, For adventure-seekers, nature-lovers and bird-watchers, Deogarh is the ideal holiday spot. The palace here is a fascinating place for those wanting to delve into the history of the state. A three-hour drive (135 km) from Udaipur. Deogarh Mahal is a 16th century palace. The imaginatively restored palace is an excellent example of this genre of hoteliering.

Eklingji, 26 km from Udaipur. Chiselled out of sandstone and marble, a complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls, it was built in 734 AD. The temple is devoted to the family deity of the rulers of Mewar.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, a two-hour-drive from Udaipur, is famous for its 15th century fort and game sanctuary. Approachable by road, the huge stone bastion stands atop a hill and allows access through spiked gates. The fort wall covers miles over the hillside and a walk on it can be invigorating. Another refreshing walk is through the sanctuary. Alternatively, you can take a jeep or horse safari. There is crocodile farm in the sanctuary and a forest rest house.

Ranakpur, 48 km from Kumbhalgarh and 90 km from Udaipur are the Ranakpur temples. The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble come across as a marvellous feat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460, so well preserved and sparkling is the marble. The main temple is supported on 1,444 pillars - none of which are similarly carved. Four main domes, again beautifully carved, look down upon you. The Jain temples house statues of Mahavira and other Jain saints.

Ghanerao, 18 km from Ranakpur, houses the castle where Meera Bai (worshipper of Lord Krishna) spent her childhood. Within the red sandstone walls of Royal Castle Ghanerao, built in the 15th century, is a temple with the idol she worshipped. A part of the castle has been turned into a hotel, another part is used by the present generation of the royal family. Kumbhalgarh sanctuary extends to the periphery of Ghanerao village. Several lakes surround the village. The castle can also be your base for a horse safari in the region.

Nagda, (23 km) The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th - 10th century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth a visit.

Haldighati, (40 km) A historical site, witness to the great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The 'Chhatri' of Maharana's horse-Chetak is noteworthy.

Mewar Festival, (March-April) The festival is the ceremonial welcome to spring and is dedicated to goddess Parvati. A procession of colourfully attired women, carrying images of the goddess to the Gangaur Ghat of the Lake Pichhola is the major highlight. Songs, dances and firework displays mark the festivities.

Gangaur Festival, (March-April) The festival is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvati. A procession of caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction.

Udaipur has countless shops and many interesting local crafts that make it a one-of-its-kind shopping experience. A plethora of items like folk toys, colourful tie-and dye-sarees and clothes, turbans, hand painted fabric, silver jewellery, wall hangings and miniature paintings in Rajput style are the favourite buys. The beautiful images of gods and goddesses made in the nearby Mollela village near Nathdwara are not to be missed. The shopping spots include a cluster of stalls on the Lake Palace road next to the Rang Niwas Palace Hotel and others around the Jagdish Temple.